The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-20
SPIES AND HIS LADYLOVE.
Heartless Sheriff Declares that the Marriage
Shall Not Be Permitted in His JAIL.

CHICAGO, Jan. 19-Sherif Matson positively
refuses to allow the marriage of Spies, the con-
demned Anarchist, and Nina Vanzandt, to take
place. He says II am surprised that her par
ents have even permitted the girl to visit the
JAIL and much more that they would consent to
let her wed man in prison, and that they will
not attempt to save their own child from never
ending shame and disgrace. shall see shat she
is, at least, given chance to look before she
leaps. have consulted with a good many per-
sons during the last few days, and find that
public opinion is almost unanimously against
the marriage. 1t is 80 strong, in fact, that,
after talking the matter over with States Attor-
ney Grnnell I am firmly resolved that
the marriage shall be indefinitely post
poned. I hope that Miss Vanzandt and
hSf friends will be reconciled to wait and
believe that my views are right; but whether
they do or not. am confident that the people
of Chicago will applaud my course. 1t is not
necessary to ask how | shall prevent it. Spies is
my prisoner. and as such ia entitled only to such
privileges or liberties as / may think proper to
give him. The only person whom / am obliged
to allow access to him is his lawyer"
Miss Vanzandt appeared quite indifferent when
told OF the sheriffs decision but refused be in
teryiewed on the subject. Miss Vauzandt went
to the Jail about 10 o'clock this morning and
sought interview with Spies. The Jail off,
cials, however in obedience to the sheriif-s or
ders, refused to allow ner to enter.
This evening statement gained credence in
some quarters that very effeminate-looking,
lightly built young man, with fair complexion
and smooth face had, presented himself at the
Jail door and asked to be admitted to see Spies.
He was refused. but continued to plead, and
finally made the astounding admission that he
was woman. 1t is stated that she was given
the alternative of quietly returning home or at
mn yv1n rYo f0r ms n1a Hiur in
culine apparel. The former was quickly chosen.
Jail-clerk Price denesthe occurrence absolutely.
The sherifs deputies are, however. said to be
taking measures to checkmate a ruse to spugele
justice of the peace into the inside of the Jail
and, while Miss VanZandt is present dur
ing the hours when the condemned Anarchists
are allowed ont of their cells for exercise, have
the ceremony performed through the wire
screen separating the visitors cage from the
Jail proper. The idea is that number of other
visitors would be crowding around them to hide
Spies and Miss Vanzandt from the officials dur
ing the minute or two necessary to complete the
ceremony
PITrsBURa, Jan. 19-Mrs Arthur aunt of
Miss Vanzandt. was seen by reporter this aft
ernoon. She said that she had, Just half an
hour previous, received dispatch from Chicago
| of the sheriff's action The lady, who looked
like one who had suffered great mental distress,
| said that she highly commended the firmness and
manhood of the Chicago official, adding that even
| for MssVanzandt she thought it was the kind
| est and most considerate thing that could have
| been DONE ''as, she continued, 1.-The young lady
! ...rself will no doubt acknowledge in the years
| to come.p
| The anxiety and suspense OF this affair has
| seriously affected Mrs. Arthur's father who has
| been keeping his bed for the last few days. Ad-
verting to Spies, tho lady said that she had in
| formation that he had been filing Miss Van
| zandts head with the notion that he was some
| thing very much out of the common stating
| that he was the son of provisional governor
| and that he was born in the castle Laudeck. II
| is thought possible that this may have had some
effect upon the young ladys imagination. Out
side this unfortunate business, Mrs. Arthur had
only the most kindly words for her niece. saying
she wondered at such an escapade. as her niece
is an exceptionally bright and intellectual young
lady. AS to the sheriff's action in the premises
| and how far it would be final. Mrs Arthur was
of course, able to give no opinion but very earn
estIy hoped that he would maintain the position
| with which he had started Concluding, she
| said, His action has. at least for the present
taken mountain of anxiety off our minds"